Four wins stand between Reynolds and the program's first-ever state baseball title.

But the greatest challenges await.

The No. 3 Rockets open the best-of-three 3A Western championship series tonight at 7 p.m. on the road against No. 1 Shelby Crest. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, 7 p.m. at Reynolds and Game 3, if necessary, will be played at Crest Saturday at 6 p.m.

Below is a quick look at both team's - how they got here and what to expect going into tonight and the rest of the week.

Reynolds wins tonight if - The Rockets' bats will face one of the toughest pitchers in the state tonight in senior Riley Cheek (UNC Charlotte commit). Cheek is 10-0 this season, but if the Rockets can shake him up early, they should be able to generate some offense. Jordan Pendley (6-1) gets the start for Reynolds tonight with ace Josh Dotson not available after throwing 105 pitches Monday in a fourth-round win over Roberson. Dotson is the likely starter for Game 2 Friday. A strong performance from Pendley will keep things close and could set-up more late-game dramatics, where Reynolds has thrived this season. I'm looking at you, Talon James.

He said it: "I like three-game-series. It gives you a chance to really see who the best team is. One offs in baseball are tough. Three games usually leaves no doubt." - Reynolds coach Bryan Craig

Crest wins tonight if - If Cheek has a strong showing on the mound, opportunities will be far and few between for Reynolds. Crest also has a potent offense behind Cheek and WCU commit CJ Mayhue. They've scored 202 runs in 27 games this season. If the Chargers bats can get to Reynolds Game 1 starter Jordan Pendley early, the Rockets may struggle to generate runs against Cheek to keep up.

He said it - "His (Cheek's) biggest thing is his confidence to think he can succeed. When he came in as a freshman, we used him at DH and he felt he could hit anybody he faced. You can’t teach that. And he’s done that for four years up here." - Crest coach Steven Hodge in an interview with the Shelby Star

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